University

Mother wants UConn to ban student bus drivers

STORRS, Conn. — The mother of UConn student who was killed four years ago by a transit bus on campus says the school has not done enough since then to improve pedestrian safety and wants it to stop using students as bus drivers, according to an Associated Press report.

Linda Plamondon, whose 20-year-old son, David, was struck and killed by a bus while in a crosswalk at a major campus intersection in March 2011, spoke to state lawmakers this week about the possibility of bringing legislation, though no bills have yet been drafted.

A UConn spokesperson defended the use of student drivers, saying they undergo at least 30 hours of training and must get a commercial driver’s license. They also must be at least 18, have no moving violations, have at least two years of driving experience, and undergo background checks, the AP report said.

There are 16 Ohio colleges and universities with similar partnerships with their regional transit authorities, however, UT’s agreement with TARTA is unique in that faculty and staff also benefit with free access to community bus routes.